HNYF: Reopen DMR Kynshi check-gate

SHILLONG, AUG 12: Meghalaya government is losing huge revenue because of the closure of the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) Kynshi check gate revealed the Western Region circle of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF –WRC). Buttressing its demand for reopening the check-gate the organization said that between January to June this year the revenue generated here was up to Rs 9 crore 94 lakhs 7 thousand and 385 rupees) which was collected through challans and taxes paid to the department

Given the scope for revenue generation, the HNYF-WRC demanded the state government to re-open the check gate and also set-up weighbridge in the area.

According to the HNYF WRC president K Ranee  the information of generation of revenue within these six months from the DMR checkgate was revealed in an RTI findings filed by the organization. He however lamented that because of the protest from some groups the checkgate was closed June 10, 2013.

Ranee said only from the challans, Rs 7.73 crores from over 12, 735 coal trucks was collected from the check gate.  He informed reporters on Monday trucks were paying one challan for Rs 6075 while the tax for every 9 tons is Rs 1736.

Ranee said, “We urged the state government to re-open the check gate of the DMR at Kynshi as closing the check gate has instead brought great loss to the state exchequer.”

Ranee was of the opinion that the re-opening of the check gate will not only bring revenue to the state government but will also help in developmental activities within the district if the amount is utilized properly.

The organization also demands the shifting of the weighbridge presently located  in Umling areas to either Kynshi or Mairang.

“The presence of the weighbridge in Umling has affected the area because of traffic congestion and if the weighbridge can be shifted to Kynshi or Mairang, the problem of traffic congestion will ease to a great extent,” said Ranee.

Ranee urged chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma who is in charge of the department to take steps in this regard.- By Our Reporter